The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1887-10-17
SUNDAY AT BELLE MEADE
gNCLE BOB HARDING MEETS THE
DISTINGUISHED GUESTS.

DISTINGUISHED GUESTS.
4 Drove of Two Hundred Deer Sent
Bounding Past the Visitors-Some-
thing About the Famous Farm and
It's Noted Owners-The Party Never
on Burning Trestle.
NASHVILLE, TENN, Oct. 16.-The story
telegraphed from Memphis to the Chicago
NetUs about the attempted wrec1ing of the
Presidents train by burning a trestle, is
laughed at by correspondents who have
been with the President during his trip.
They say nothing of the kind occurred at
any time
UNCLE BOB HARDING.
The President has made the personal ac-
uuaintance of Uncle Bob Harding. Every
stock man in the land knows Uncle Bob, the
colored major domo of the Belle Meade
stock farm, and one of the chief authorities
on blooded stock in the world. 1t was in
tended that the day should be for the Presi
dent one of restful quiet, and so it was.
The President and Mrs. Cleveland couldn't
resist the temptation to stroll over the great
breeding farm, and so, accompanied by
their host, Gen. jackson, they sauntered
out. OF course, Uncle Bob was in the way.
GREAT DAY FOR THE OLD MAN.
It was great day for the old man. 81
met him very courteously," (neaning seri-
ously) said Uncle Bob to one of the Presi-
dents party later in the day. "Just think,
oh, Lordy, that / should live sixty-three
years and then see President"
"Why, Bob, is he the first President you
ever metp
''Oh, no. 1 seed Gen. jackson and Mr..
Polk, but he is the first one | ever got in
hand. He's fine gentleman, very much
So"
Bob was much inclined to give reminis-
cences of the stables, and he branched
off into talk about Luke Blackburn.
PLEASED WITH MRS. CLEVELAND.
A reference to Mrs. Cleveland recalled
him, and he said of her: ''Oh, she do beat
them all, and she certainly do know good
horsen Passing the stables the dis
tinguished trio sauntered out into Deer
Park, and suddenly as they stood upon the
knoll taking in the enchanting beauty of
the scene a drove of more than 200 deer
came bounding past. Splendid large fell
lows they were, scampering as if for life
and hardly touching the ground.
WHERE THEY CAME FROM.
This again was Uncle Bob's work AS
soon as the visitors entered the park he had
the kdeer corralled in a corner and then
drove them past in review. Belle Meade
farm is owned in common by the Jackson
brothers, who married two sisters, the
Misses Harding, daughters of the founders
of the establishment. Belle Meade man
sion the present resting place of the Presi-
dent is a typical Southern house of the
highest class 1t is a substantial twO-story
brick structure of ample proportions, built
without much f1lagree or ornamentatioa.
A VISIT TO MRS. POLK
After lunch the President and Mrs Cleve-
land, escorted by Gen. jackson, drove into
Nashville to pay their respects to Mrs. Polk
At the request of the visitors the affair was
made as informal as possible, it being de
signed merely as an interchange of courtesies
between the lady of the White House of
to-day. There were present, by in
vitation of Mrs. Polk Gov. Taylor,
Senator William B. Bate, ex-Gov. James D.
Porter, Major j. F. Thomas and several
other gentlemen of prominence in this city
and vicinity. The stately Polk mansion
was surrounded by great crowd of people
of all social grades, all ages and both sexes,
gathered to see President ana Mrs Cleveland.
The visitors We're received at the Church
street entrance, Gov. Taylor Offering his
arm to the President, and Mrs. Cleveland
taking that of George w. Fall, and they
entered the spacious parlor, where Mrs
Polk was awaiting them. Gov. Taylor
made the presentation of the President to
Mrs. Polk. The latter extended her hand
and said: "Mr. President, am, indeed, de-
lighted to meet you"
''And to meet you, Mrs. Polk" replied
the President. II have looked forward to
this visit with most pleasant anticipation"
MRS. CLEVELAND PRESENTED.
Mrs. Cleveland was presented, and the two
ladies conversed cordially a few minutes
The other gentlemen present were then pre-
sented to the President and Mrs. Cleveland,
after which the conversation became gen
eral, the President devoting himself almost
constantly during the brief remainder of
his stay to Mrs. Polk. He expressed fear
that the crowds of tomorrow night would
be annoying to her
No, it pleases ME, replied the courtly
dame, ito see my people tender such an
ovation to President Cleveland"
Then the two turned their conversation
to the White House and Washington. The
lady was an interested queStioner. and the
President willing informant.
MRS. CLES -, IN DEMAND.
Mrs ClevelA I'd was the object of marked
attention from all the gentlemen present,
proving herself captivating listener and
charming conversationalist. One of those
present was an old Irishman, a gentleman
OF wealth and culture, who was introduced
by Gov. Porter Mrs. Cleveland expressed
her delight at making the acquaintance of a
friend of Gov. Porter. The gentleman's
eyes twinkled as he looked at her moment.
Madam" he said, "there is but one re-
mark | wish to make; you are prettier than
your pictures"
A BOUQUET OF ROSES.
Mrs. Polk presented Mrs. Cleveland a
bouquet of Marechal roses in the name of
her grand niece, Miss Sadie Fall who she
said sailed yesterday from Liverpool for
America. She then invited the party to
refreshments, at which each guest was
served with (. glass of sherry seventy-five
years old The guests after visiting
the tomb of President Polk
IN the grounds adjoining the mansion, re-
turned to Belle Meade. Mrs. Villas is quite
exhausted by the fatigues and excitement
OF the journey from Madison, and has been
confined to her room nearly all day. 1t is
reported tonight as doubtful whether she
Will be ableto proceed tomorrow.